It is half a century since Britain’s native car industry embarked on its long, painful decline, precipitated by Austin Allegros with rear windows falling off, endless strikes over the length of tea breaks and terrible commercial decisions such as to cede the hatchback market to overseas competition. But where Britain led, Germany and France now seem to be following. How much longer before names like Peugeot, Renault, and even Volkswagen, either disappear or become reduced to mere badges affixed to Chinese-designed and produced vehicles?
The retreat of the European car industry has cropped up from time to time in recent months. In October, Volkswagen announced, for the first time, its intention to close three plants in Germany. Although they were later reprieved, it will be at reduced production levels – and with the unions agreeing to 35,000 job losses by 2030.
There is no hiding from the scale of problems being faced by Europe’s car industry. In
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